STMicroelectronics (STMicro) has announced the ST1VAFE3BX biosensor, a highly integrated chip that combines “cardio and neurological sensing with motion tracking and embedded AI functionalities,” and is targeted at healthcare and fitness wearables. The ST1VAFE3BX biosensor chip integrates biopotential inputs with an accelerometer and a machine learning core for reduced power consumption. It features a complete vertical analog front end (vAFE) for simplified detection of vital signs in electrocardiography, electroencephalography, and other healthcare monitoring applications. Inertial sensing by the accelerometer is synchronized with biopotential sensing “to infer any link between measured signals and physical activity.” The integrated machine-learning core (MLC) and finite state machine (FSM) allow for ultra-low-power and accurate biopotential input recognition at a degree of responsiveness that is reportedly faster than the current industry standard. The ST1VAFE3BX is aimed at applications in healthcare and fitness wearables such as smartwatches, smart patches, sports bands, connected rings, and smart glasses. It [...]

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The city of Trenčín in Slovakia has transformed the management of its iconic Vodnik fountain using IoT-powered automation, powered by the Helium LoRaWAN network. By deploying SenseCAP sensors and controllers, the team at Heliotics supported the city automating the fountain’s operation based on real-time weather data, ensuring optimal efficiency and resource conservation. The system allows for remote management, significantly reducing water and energy consumption while minimizing the need for manual intervention. This innovative solution demonstrates how IoT can modernize urban infrastructure and enhance sustainability efforts in smart cities.

• Solution: IoTech automated the Vodnik fountain using a smart weather station and controller, powered by Helium LoRaWAN, for real-time weather data, remote management.

• Participating Partners: City of Trenčín, Heliotics, Helium LoRaWAN Network
  

• Seeed Products used:  SenseCAP S1000 V2 10-in-1 Compact Weather Sensor, SenseCAP S2100 Data Logger
  

• Industry: Smart City Solutions, IoT Automation

• Solution Deployed in: Vodnik Fountain, Štúr Square, Trenčín, Slovakia
  

Download Case Study in PDF

Trenčín, Slovakia, is a city rich in history and known for its picturesque landmarks, including the Vodnik fountain at Štúr Square. This iconic fountain draws tourists and locals alike, especially during the summer. However, managing its operation, especially during adverse weather conditions, has proven both challenging and costly for the city. Traditionally, city workers had to manually switch the fountain on and off, leading to inefficiencies, excess water consumption, and unnecessary energy use. The need for a more efficient, automated solution prompted the city to explore IoT technology to manage the fountain remotely.

Challenges

Traditional Fountains, like the Vodnik fountain, need to operate under specific conditions to maximize their aesthetic appeal while conserving resources. Ideal operational conditions include moderate temperatures, low wind speeds, and no rainfall, ensuring optimal visual impact without unnecessary water or energy wastage.

However, the manual operation process required city workers to visit the fountain, turn it off during storms or at night, and turn it back on under favorable conditions. This time-consuming method led to unnecessary resource use when immediate action was needed, and it relied heavily on weather forecasts and human intervention. Moreover, the risk of damage from freezing temperatures or water splashing during high winds presented further challenges, leading to increased maintenance costs and resource wastage.

Solution

To address these issues, our partner Heliotics implemented a smart, IoT-powered solution for the city of Trenčín, leveraging the Helium LoRaWAN network and Heliotics CORE app. This system integrates a SenseCAP S1000 V2 10-in-1 Compact Weather Sensor and SenseCAP S2100 Data Logger for real-time monitoring of weather conditions, and a Milesight UC300 Controller for automation of the fountain’s operation. The weather station tracks key environmental factors like temperature, humidity, wind speed, and rainfall, while the controller is connected to the fountain’s main electrical system to manage its operation.

This solution automates the fountain’s on/off cycles based on predefined threshold values (e.g., low temperatures, high wind speeds, or heavy rainfall), ensuring optimal operation. The system’s logic follows a color-coded range (green for favorable conditions, yellow for caution, and red for shutoff), allowing the fountain to shut down automatically under poor weather conditions and restart when conditions improve—all in less than 10 seconds.

The system also features remote management capabilities via the Heliotics CORE app, enabling authorized personnel to monitor and control the fountain’s operation from any device. Alerts via SMS or email are sent in case of extreme weather or malfunction, allowing for real-time intervention if necessary.

Why SenseCAP and LoRaWAN?

The SenseCAP sensors were chosen for their ability to deliver reliable and real-time data in outdoor environments, crucial for the automation of the Vodnik fountain system. The SenseCAP S1000 V2 10-in-1 Compact Weather Sensor provides multi-parameter monitoring, collecting key environmental data such as temperature, humidity, wind speed, and rainfall to ensure the fountain operates under safe conditions. These sensors are durable, designed to withstand harsh weather without frequent maintenance, making them ideal for continuous outdoor monitoring. Known for their low power consumption, SenseCAP devices are also cost-effective for long-term use and scalable, allowing for future expansion to other smart city infrastructure. Additionally, their seamless integration with the Helium LoRaWAN network ensures efficient, long-range data transmission, perfect for city-wide remote monitoring and automation solutions.

“Our IoT solution at Vodník Fountain in Trenčín uses LPWAN technology, reducing installation costs by eliminating cabling. With advanced automation and remote 24/7 control, the city has achieved nearly 75% savings in water use and optimized energy consumption. The flexible system also allows manual operation, saving time on-site and highlighting the sustainable impact of smart infrastructure” comments Miroslav Macko, CEO of Heliotics

Heliotics CORE App Dashboard

Results

The implementation of this IoT-powered solution has transformed the management of the Vodnik fountain, significantly reducing water and energy consumption by automating its operation. The system ensures the fountain only runs under optimal conditions, thus extending its operational lifespan and minimizing maintenance costs. Furthermore, remote monitoring via the Heliotics CORE app has reduced the need for physical intervention, allowing the city to respond swiftly to changing weather conditions while also conserving resources.

Overall, this smart solution has improved the city’s sustainability efforts, cut unnecessary costs, and enhanced the public experience of this iconic landmark. The success of this project demonstrates the potential of IoT in modernizing municipal operations, setting an example for other cities looking to adopt smart technologies for better resource management.

Partners

https://www.heliotics.com/ 

Heliotics is a provider of IoT solutions that specialize in smart city applications, offering advanced automation tools for urban infrastructure management. Through its flagship Heliotics CORE app, the company enables remote monitoring and control of various systems, such as fountains, lighting, and environmental monitoring, to optimize city operations. By integrating real-time data and automation, Heliotics helps municipalities like Trenčín achieve greater efficiency, reduce resource consumption, and improve sustainability.

https://www.helium.com/lorawan 

The Helium LoRaWAN Network is a decentralized wireless network designed for IoT devices, offering long-range, low-power connectivity across large areas. Known for its cost-effective and scalable infrastructure, the network allows smart city solutions to operate seamlessly without the need for traditional cellular or Wi-Fi networks. By utilizing Helium’s LoRaWAN technology, cities like Trenčín can monitor and control infrastructure remotely, enhancing both operational efficiency and real-time data collection.

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The post Transforming City Fountain Management with SenseCAP LoRaWAN Weather Monitoring-Based Automation in Slovakia appeared first on Latest Open Tech From Seeed.

The Orbbec Gemini 335Lg is a 3D Depth and RGB camera in the Gemini 330 series, built with a GMSL2/FAKRA connector to support the connectivity needs of autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) and robotic arms in demanding environments. As an enhancement of the Gemini 335L, the 335Lg features a GMSL2 serializer and FAKRA-Z connector ensuring reliable performance in industrial applications requiring high mobility and precision. The Gemini 335Lg integrates with the Orbbec SDK, enabling flexible platform support across deserialization chips, carrier boards, and computing boxes, including NVIDIA’s Jetson AGX Orin and AGX Xavier. The device can operate in both USB and GMSL (MIPI) modes, which can be toggled via a switch next to the 8-pin sync port, with GMSL as the default. The GMSL2/FAKRA connection provides high-quality streaming with synchronized multi-device capability, enhancing adaptability for complex setups. Previously, we covered several 3D cameras from Orbbec, including the Orbbec Femto Mega 3D [...]

The post Orbbec Gemini 335Lg 3D depth and RGB camera features MX6800 ASIC, GMSL2/FAKRA connector for multi-device sync on NVIDIA Jetson Platforms appeared first on CNX Software - Embedded Systems News.

MentorPi is a ROS2-compatible robot car powered by the Raspberry Pi 5, designed for AI-driven robotics and Python programming. It offers two chassis options: MentorPi-M1, which features a Mecanum-wheel chassis, and MentorPi-A1, equipped with an Ackermann chassis. Both variants come with high-performance components such as closed-loop encoder motors, STL-19P TOF lidar, 3D depth cameras, and high-torque servos. These enable precise navigation, SLAM mapping, path planning, and dynamic obstacle avoidance, making MentorPi an ideal platform for robotics tasks. The system utilizes a dual-controller architecture to optimize performance. The Raspberry Pi 5 handles AI vision processing and strategic functions, while Hiwonder’s RRC Lite expansion board manages motion control and sensor data processing. This task distribution enhances efficiency in machine vision, AI-powered navigation, and robotic control, allowing MentorPi to tackle complex AI and vision-based applications with ease. MentorPi also supports advanced features like 3D visual mapping and YOLOv5-based object detection for recognizing road [...]

The post MentorPi is a ROS2-compatible, Raspberry Pi 5-based robot car with Mecanum or Ackermann chassis appeared first on CNX Software - Embedded Systems News.

Waveshare has launched an ESP32-S3 1.91-inch AMOLED development board with a 6-axis motion sensor designed for the rapid prototyping of IoT and portable projects with interactive displays. The board is built around the ESP32-S3R8 chip, featuring a 32-bit LX7 dual-core processor running at up to 240MHz, with integrated 2.4GHz Wi-Fi and Bluetooth BLE 5. It also includes 16MB Flash, 8MB PSRAM, 512KB SRAM, and 384KB ROM for efficient processing and memory management. At the core of its display capabilities is a 1.91-inch AMOLED screen with a 240×536 resolution, supporting 16.7 million colors. Powered by the RM67162 controller and connected via the QSPI interface, the display is ideal for running GUI applications like LVGL. The board is available in both touch and non-touch versions, with the touch-enabled models using the FT3168 touch IC. Other features include a QMI8658 6-axis IMU, a microSD card slot, and a Lithium battery header. The ESP32-S3 [...]

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Last year, we reviewed the MR60FDA1 60GHz mmWave fall detection sensor kit, which utilizes the XIAO ESP32C3 module as its core. This module, featuring both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, opens up various IoT applications. Now, Seeed Studio has introduced advanced mmWave sensor modules specifically designed for enhanced fall detection and heartbeat monitoring. The MR60FDA2 is optimized for fall detection, while the MR60BHA2 is designed for heartbeat monitoring. Powered by an ESP32-C6 WiFi 6 and RIS-Bluetotoh LE microcontroller, these modules offer reliable detection for real-time fall monitoring and accurate heartbeat tracking. They also feature customizable RGB LEDs and ambient light sensors, providing additional flexibility. With expansion options via Grove GPIO ports, these versatile modules are well-suited for applications like smart home integration and healthcare monitoring. Previously, we covered the RoomSense IQ and the DesignCore RS-6843AOPU with mmWave technology. The RoomSense IQ is an ESP32-S3-based modular room monitor with mmWave radar presence [...]

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Arduino Nicla Sense Env is a new sensor module with temperature, humidity, and gas (TVOC, NO2, O3) sensing that follows the launch of the Arduino Nicla Sense ME (Motion & Environment) module over three years ago (2021). The implementation of the new module is quite different since the ME module relies on Nordic Semi nRF52832 Cortex-M4 microcontroller and Bosch SensorTech motion and environmental sensor, but the new Nicla Sense Env module is made of parts from Renesas namely the RA2E1 Cortex-M23 microcontroller, the HS4001 humidity and temperature sensor, the ZMOD4410 gas sensor for TVOC and indoor air quality, and the ZMOD4510 gas sensor for NO2, O3, and outdoor air quality. Arduino Nicla Sense Env (ABX00089) specifications: MCU – Renesas RA2E1 Arm Cortex-M23 entry-line microcontroller (not accessible or programmable by the user) CPU core – Arm Cortex-M23 core up to 48 MHz Memory – 16KB SRAM Storage – 128KB flash Sensors [...]

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Infineon’s PASCO2V15 CO2 sensor is a compact and precise carbon dioxide sensor that uses photoacoustic spectroscopy (PAS) leveraging its built-in microphone and IR emitter to detect CO2 levels by measuring pressure changes caused by the absorption of infrared light by CO2 molecules. The sensor is highly precise (±50 ppm ±5%) and can cover a wide range (0 to 32,000 ppm). it also includes features like pressure compensation and automatic baseline offset correction for reliability. With its small size and low power consumption, the PASCO2V15 can be integrated into HVAC systems, room controllers, smart thermostats, air purifiers, and other devices to optimize ventilation and improve energy efficiency. PASCO2V15 CO2 sensor specifications Sensor technology  – Photoacoustic Spectroscopy (PAS) with Non-Dispersive Infrared (NDIR) principles Gas measured – Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Measurement range – 0 to 32,000 ppm Accuracy – ± (50 ppm +5%) of reading between 400 ppm and 3000 ppm Output Interfaces [...]

The post Infineon PASCO2V15 CO2 sensor achieves ±50 ppm accuracy with built-in microphone and IR emitter appeared first on CNX Software - Embedded Systems News.

Joey Castillo of Oddly Specific Objects has released a follow-up to the Sensor Watch, aptly named Sensor Watch Pro. The Sensor Watch Pro remains a board swap for the classic Casio F-91W or A158W digital watch that replaces the original quartz movement with the low-power ARM Cortex-M0+ microcontroller. The Sensor Watch Pro retains features from the Sensor Watch Lite and comes with a few upgrades such as a louder piezo buzzer, an RGB LED, an infrared light sensor, and a completely soldering-free experience. The new watch integrates a custom-fabricated metal spring connector that previously had to be manually soldered after purchase. We had also looked at other hackable watches in the past, such as Bangle.js, Bangle.js 2, and Watchy. Buyers can opt for a custom LCD that extends the number of segments available from 72 segments to 92 segments. It comes with an onboard temperature sensor and can be connected [...]

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We are thrilled to announce that Seeed Studio will be a Silver Sponsor at The Things Conference 2024 in Amsterdam! As a proud participant in this flagship event for LoRaWAN® and Low Power IoT, we invite you to visit us at Booth B03 and explore our cutting-edge technologies that are revolutionizing the IoT space. From September 25-26, join us and over 1,500 industry professionals for a deep dive into the latest innovations in LoRaWAN®.

At our booth, we will be showcasing several new and existing products, providing hands-on demos, and discussing how these solutions are making IoT applications smarter, scalable, and more efficient by unleashing the power of AI. You’ll get to experience our latest innovations, including:

New Products

• • SenseCAP A1102 LoRaWAN Vision AI Sensor: A state-of-the-art AI-powered sensor.
  • Wio-SX1262: The world’s smallest LoRa module.
  • SenseCAP Watcher: The ultimate solution for intelligent monitoring.

Existing Products

• • SenseCAP S210X LoRaWAN Sensors & S2120 Weather Station
  • SenseCAP T1000-A/B LoRaWAN Trackers
  • Wio Series LoRa Modules including Wio-E5, Wio-WM1302, Wio-WM1110, and Wio-SX1262
  • SenseCAP Indicator D1Pro LoRaWAN Sensor Node featuring a touchscreen interface.

A Joint Live Demo with Blynk

Additionally, we are collaborating with Blynk to deliver a Joint Live Demo showcasing the seamless onboarding of the SenseCAP S2120 8-in-1 LoRaWAN Weather Station. Experience real-time climate data visualization on the Blynk platform, offering end-to-end IoT solutions for your projects.

Explore Innovation with Seeed’s Keynotes and Hands-on Workshops

In addition to our exhibits, we’re excited to participate in key discussions and workshops that highlight the synergy between LoRaWAN® and AI. Here are some key sessions you won’t want to miss:

Keynote Speech: Revolutionizing IoT: The Synergy of LoRaWAN and Artificial Intelligence

Speaker: Joey Jiang, VP of Seeed Studio
Time: 4:40 PM, September 25 (Wednesday)
Venue: The Things Theater

In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, the need for efficient data processing from the physical world is growing exponentially. Joey Jiang, VP of Seeed Studio, will present a thought-provoking keynote on how the synergy between LoRaWAN and Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing IoT solutions.

LoRaWAN’s long-range, low-power capabilities make it ideal for IoT, but handling vast data streams can be challenging. AI enhances LoRaWAN by optimizing data at the sensor level, compressing large datasets into actionable insights for transmission, reducing latency, bandwidth usage, and costs. In this session, Joey Jiang will showcase Seeed Studio’s AI-enabled LoRaWAN sensor nodes, built for scalability and adaptability across industries. He will explore how this technology drives efficiency and digital transformation in IoT ecosystems. Expect to learn how AI improves data processing, real-world use cases, and innovations that boost cost-effectiveness.

Workshop: No-Code to Build Your First AI-Enabled LoRaWAN Vision Sensor

Host: Joey Jiang, VP of Seeed Studio
Time: 11:00 AM, September 26 (Thursday)
Venue: Workshop 1

Want to build your own AI-enabled LoRaWAN sensor node without coding? This hands-on workshop, led by Joey Jiang, is for you! You’ll learn to assemble a plug-and-play LoRaWAN sensor node using Seeed Studio’s kit, train and deploy an AI model with SenseCraft AI, and transmit detection outcomes via LoRaWAN to The Things Network—all without writing a single line of code. Ideal for both beginners and professionals, this workshop offers a practical introduction to AI and LoRaWAN integration. With only 25 seats available, don’t miss the chance for personalized guidance. Bring your laptop for this interactive session!

Roundtable Discussions

1. LoRaWAN in the Harsh Environment of Agriculture

Moderator: Joey Jiang 

Time: 3:00 PM, September 25

Venue: Roundtable Area

2. Do’s and Don’ts in Electronics Manufacturing for LoRaWAN Devices

Panelist: Violet Su

Time: 11:00 AM, September 25

Venue: The Things Podcast

Seeed Studio Partners and Onsite Campaigns

We are excited to have our partners alongside us too!

• • Alpha Omega’s IoT Shop: Join their onsite quiz for a chance to win free LoRaWAN products like our SenseCAP T1000 and SenseCAP Indicator.
  • Blynk: Live demo of the SenseCAP S2120 on the Blynk platform.
  • Datacake: Don’t miss Simon Kemper’s session on reducing real Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) with SaaS.
  • Semtech: Participate in their exciting line-up of speeches!

Join Us at The Things Conference 2024

The Things Conference is the premier event for LoRaWAN®, bringing together over 1,500 top IoT professionals, 70+ industry leaders, and expert speakers. Connect with the entire LoRaWAN® ecosystem, explore the latest IoT technologies, and gain practical insights through hands-on workshops.

Get your tickets (use our partner code to enjoy a 20% off discount: JOIN-TTC2024), and join us for an unforgettable two days of innovation, networking, and hands-on learning.

Register Now!

See you in Amsterdam at Booth B03!

The post Seeed Studio at The Things Conference 2024: Join Us for the Future of IoT appeared first on Latest Open Tech From Seeed.

NXP Semiconductors has recently introduced Trimension SR250 UWB radar, which NXP is calling the industry’s first single-chip solution that combines on-chip processing with short-range ultra-wideband (UWB) radar and secure UWB ranging. Operating at 6-8.5 GHz, the SR250 supports features like 3D angle-of-arrival (AoA), time difference of arrival (TDOA), and time of flight (ToF) measurements accurate to within ±5 cm. The integrated on-chip radar processing reduces power consumption, which increases efficiency and it can work with AI/ML algorithms on host processors like NXP’s i.MX, RW61x, and MCX families. The SR250 is supported by firmware, middleware, and sample applications, simplifying development and deployment. Applications for this device include smart home automation (e.g., turning devices on/off based on presence), secure access, and safety monitoring, as well as industrial uses such as worker tracking, collision avoidance, and danger zone detection. Trimension SR250 UWB radar specification 3D secure ranging Fully interoperable with IEEE 802.15.4z HRP [...]

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SparkFun has released a new air quality multi-sensor board, the Indoor Air Quality Combo Sensor, which integrates the SCD41 and SEN55 sensors from Sensirion for measuring carbon dioxide, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), particulate matter, relative humidity, and temperature. The air quality multi-sensor board simplifies power management for the two sensors via onboard DC voltage conversion and allows a single Qwiic connection for power and communication. It features two Qwiic connectors and a 0.1”-space through-hole header for I2C and power. The board is not a complete solution for indoor air quality monitoring. It has to be connected to a Qwiic-enabled microcontroller such as SparkFun Thing Plus Matter, DataLogger IoT, and the ESP32 Qwiic Pro Mini. Users can install the required Arduino libraries — the Arduino Core library, Sensirion I2C SEN5x, and SparkFun SCD4x — either via the Arduino library manager or directly from SparkFun. The device is open-source, with hardware files, [...]

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